The dying panther seeks solace with kin as it takes its final breath

I am my mother’s daughter

my father’s child

my brother’s sister

as I tame what is wild

I’m just as helplessly cruel

with what has made me bleed,

which is this weary black cat

lying prone at our feet.

This is a family matter, I say

as I gather all three in my arms,

please don’t be alarmed, I whisper

not sure whose ears it is for,

I gather all of my strength

and drop down

to the floor

on all fours

I crawl across to you;

I watch your broad chest

quick rise and quick fall

it brings tears to my eyes,

I’ve never seen you

this small.

I reach my hand out

which aches as I crawl

its skin scraped off

and for a second I think-

but it’s not cruel at all,

It’s hurt, I say,

your teeth blood-red,

you could bite again

but I‘ll place this bet, I breathe

and fill your lungs with my breath,

Someday, I say,

but not yet, not yet.

And I think they might get it

they don’t make a sound

but I can see them crouch down,

bruised hands,

reaching out.